Losing Dan Carter and having Richie McCaw on one leg will bring the All Blacks together, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans believes.
The three wise men - Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith - have packed plenty into the past eight years. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at four highlights and four lowlights of the long-serving All Black coaching panel's tenure.
The pressure has been amped up on referee Craig Joubert as All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen says the breakdown must be policed better.
This year's World Cup is almost done and dusted. But who will head to England in four years for the New Zealand challenge (or defence)? Assuming, of course, Steve Tew does not withdraw the team. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at a possible All Black team to play in 2015.
He has played every minute of every game so far, and Jerome Kaino is wanting more.
This is what Sonny Bill Williams came back to New Zealand for - the chance to play in a semifinal of a World Cup, and to help the All Blacks take the next step.
There are predictable things in life. Spring then summer. Santa Claus comes just once a year. Winston Peters will re-emerge three months out from an election. And another? The All Blacks will win tomorrow night, in a canter, and head into the semifinals of the World Cup.
It is a well-worn cliche but it rings true - the top two inches is going to decide the World Cup, as injuries and physical pressure takes their toll.
From fishing for whitebait at the start of the week to playing in the biggest game in this country for 24 years, Stephen Donald has certainly gone from the outhouse to the penthouse.
The All Blacks sure know how to beat Australia at Eden Park but that will not be a huge advantage come Sunday, a couple of All Black greats say.
All Black coach Graham Henry is not crying over spilt milk and has nominated Piri Weepu as the man to navigate the team round the field.
Mils Muliaina says players caught out drinking last week have learnt being a member of the national side is a job which never ends.
Into the semifinals with all the panache and style of a clapped-out Hillman Hunter.
The French. Who knows what you are going to get from them?A shambles one week, on fire the next.
All Black skipper Richie McCaw is expected to line up against Argentina tomorrow but is not certain to be seen in the rest of the tournament.
Over-confidence is in short supply in the Argentinian camp and blunt reality rules the roost.
Colin Slade gets it. So does the team he is playing for. Now he wants the rest of the country to cotton on.
Do not look too far ahead is the motto for the All Blacks at this World Cup, but the overall season is in need of a shake-up, assistant coach Steve Hansen says.
Twelve teams have gone home. But among the also-rans, there was some pretty good talent. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at a World Cup side made up of departed players.
Colin Slade should start for the All Blacks on Sunday, and he will most probably be served by his so-called rival.